I would like to take the next couple weeks to clarify some of the vision and values of Sanctuary. To begin with, at the top of this page you'll see a very important phrase to our Sunday night community at CrossRoads: "a community of Jesus-followers living out the story of God."
This phrase has helped fine-tune my thinking as I lead Sanctuary. It contains values vital to our vision:
a community: God's very being lies in community. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have eternally lived as one in community. In God's good creation man and woman were created and invited to live in communion with the holy community. God used the community of Israel to be a "light to the nations." Jesus lived in community with His disciples and He birthed the new community of His kingdom--the Church.
Jesus-followers: For too many years Christians have been referred to as those who "believe in Jesus." While this definition is true, it is not complete. The Bible tells us even the demons believe in Jesus. Instead, we are seeking to follow Jesus, trusting Him as our Savior from sin, Redeemer, and King. Our following is made possible by grace through faith empowered by His Spirit.
living out the story of God: The Bible is filled with poetry, but it is more than poetry. The Bible is filled with law, but it is more than law. The Bible is filled with history, but it is more than history. Taken as a whole, the Bible is the "God-breathed" narrative of God's restoration of creation to Himself. It is God's story--a story without end, a story of which we all play a part.
It is in living out God's story by following Jesus in community that we find our purpose and joy in living. May God guide us as we seek to live the loving revolution of His Kingdom.
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